National Gallery of Ancient Art, Rome

The National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome is located in the Eastern part of the city. Its collections are presented in two architectural monuments at the same time – the Palazzo Barberini, built in the 17th century, and the Palazzo Corsini, which was built two centuries earlier and modified in late Baroque style. The gallery collection was founded in 1893 and is one of the youngest art galleries in the capital and throughout Italy.

Collections of palaces

Palazzo Barberini was originally supposed to become a papal residence. Therefore, the palace, in which the paintings are now exhibited, is distinguished by its grandeur and luxury. The collection of the gallery was created thanks to two separate collections – Cardinal Neri Corsini and the collection of Andrea and Tommaso Corsini. Later it was supplemented by the collection of the Duke of Torlonia and the canvases of the Palazzo del Monte di Pieta gallery.

The huge building of Barberini is decorated with paintings of Pietro da Cortona from inside, in particular the fresco "The Triumph of Divine Providence", created in 1639, and the works of Italian masters of the 16-19 centuries.

The collection of the Gallery of Ancient Art is located on the second floor of the Palazzo Barberini.

The pride of Palazzo Corsini is "Judith Beheading Holofernes" by Caravaggio, and of the Palazzo Barberini – the famous "La Fornarina" by Raphael. Paintings by Nicolas Poussin, Tintoretto, Titian, Hans Holbein, Guido Reni, Murillo, Rubens, El Greco and others are also exhibited in the galleries.

In addition to art painting, the palace halls demonstrate a collection of antique furniture and majolica – various products from burnt clay. Particular attention deserves the Hall of Statues, or the Marble Hall, with its amazing collection of sculptures.

How to get there

• The Palazzo Barberini is located on via delle Quattro Fontane, 13. You can reach it by bus № 53, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 83, 160, 492, 590 to the Barberini stop, or by metro line A.
• Palazzo Corsini is located on via della Lungara, 10, you can get here by bus № 23 or № 280.

Opening hours:

• Palazzo Barberini Gallery is open to guests every day except Monday, from 08:30 to 19:00.
• Palazzo Corsini can be visited every day except Tuesday, also from 08:30 to 19:00. There is an entrance fee. The cost of a single entrance ticket to both palaces is 12 euros. Data of January 2018.